O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground has asphalt pads for RVs, though not all are level or very wide. The campground sits at around 600 feet elevation within the rugged hills of southern Indiana. Sites feature 50/30/20 amp electric service with water access available through potable water spigots throughout the camping area, not at individual sites. The camping loop at South Harrison County Park accommodates both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, while Buzzard Roost Campground offers primitive camping with pit toilets only.
What to do
Explore the nature center: O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground has an educational facility with ranger-led programs. "The nature center was basic but well prepared with critters and educational items. Everything except the nature center was reachable via bikes," notes Kyle about their experience at O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground.
Visit the pioneer village: History enthusiasts can explore historical structures at O'Bannon Woods. "My kids enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails," reports Kelsey R., who camped there with family in November.
Go fishing at Otter Creek: The creek provides good fishing opportunities near Brandenburg. "One of our favorite spots to camp. Beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville," shares Melissa A. about her experiences at Otter Creek Park Campground.
Climb the fire tower: For panoramic views of the forest, visit the observation tower at O'Bannon Woods. "Fire tower was a cool one time thing. There is also an Ohio river overlook but we did not make it there," mentions one camper who visited with family.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Many Brandenburg area campgrounds offer wooded camping spots. "The campground sites are spacious and lots of shade in the summer. Beautiful in the fall!" reports Audria J. about Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground.
Creek access for swimming: During warmer months, campers enjoy cooling off in the water. "Plenty of fishing along Blue River. Not any primitive sites," notes Corey T. about the water access at O'Bannon Woods.
Well-maintained playgrounds: Family-friendly campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Sycamore Springs has just about everything in one little nook, from fishing swimming and kayaking on blue River, a beach at the park. Swimming, horse trails and lodging, electric campgrounds, you name it. It's clean and laid back," says Justin B. about Sycamore Springs Park.
Variety of hiking options: Trail systems range from easy to challenging. "O'Bannon woods has nice state park. Several shaded sites w electric and water hookups. Clean restrooms. Great nature center w ranger tours. Several hiking trails w various difficulties," reports Donald S.
What you should know
Tick prevention essential: The wooded areas can have heavy tick populations. "Tick were REALLY bad. Maybe the season, maybe the area, not sure," warns Kyle about Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground.
Limited water access at sites: RV campers should note water setup differences. "There was no water at the site though. Throughout the campground are potable water spigots that you can hook up to and add water to your tank," explains Derek J. about O'Bannon Woods.
Airport noise possible: Some campgrounds experience aircraft noise. "This is a great little well-kept campground. Unfortunately it's in the departure path of Louisville's airport, so be prepared for once-a-minute takeoffs if the airport is using its southbound runways for departures. UPS releases about 100 planes from around 3-5am," warns Derek P. about camping at Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Seasonal flooding concerns: Some waterfront sites may experience high water. "The river sites are a bit close and were evacuated during a flash flood for good reason. Water came up to their sites," reports John R. about Buzzard Roost Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "We stayed in 220. It was nice to be right by the playground and bathrooms (which is what we wanted). The better playground is in loop A," advises Kelsey R. about O'Bannon Woods.
Swimming options: Multiple water recreation opportunities exist for kids. "The kids love the pool and trails. The campground sites are spacious and lots of shade in the summer," shares Audria J. about Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Halloween camping events: Fall camping offers special activities for children. "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!" explains Amber S. about Horseshoe Bend RV Campground.
Bathhouse selection: Facilities vary in quality within the same campground. "Bath houses were 2.5/5 and could use some maintenance. Some shower facilities were substantially better than others so we chose to walk," advises Kyle about O'Bannon Woods facilities.
Tips from RVers
Electric service details: RV sites at O'Bannon Woods offer multiple power options. "The sites have an asphalt pad that are mostly level. 50,30,20 amp service in one box," explains Derek J., noting the power availability.
Dump station access: Full-service RV facilities are available at several campgrounds. "This was a great campground. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. The campground was very clean and well maintained with gravel sites that were fairly level. Full hookups with 50 amp or 30 amp available," reports Randy S. about Horseshoe Bend RV Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Some loops offer more seclusion than others. "Some spots near the back would be nice and secluded like the 180s and 190s and they're still not too far from the bathrooms and playground," suggests Kelsey R. about O'Bannon Woods.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for potentially uneven sites. "Nice campground, needs some structural updates. Mostly shaded spots. Not all pads are level or very wide," warns Shelly S. about O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground.
